“That is my business,” was the reply. “As your Lordship can see, it is already made out for three thousand pounds, which is very much less than you are giving to those people who live in the shadow of your Castle. My colleagues and I thought that it would be a mistake to be greedy.”
What they really thought, the Earl well knew, was that the Bank would cash his cheque for three thousand pounds, but if it was for any more, they would undoubtedly ask awkward questions.
There was silence and then the Earl said,
“I cannot imagine that you really think I will do what you ask. The money I have given my employees does not concern you and I need all I possess to carry out the improvements which are necessary for the comfort and wellbeing of those who rely on me.”
“A very pretty speech,” the man
